Mayoral hopefuls square off

But talk of landfill in Yorkville avoided

The most contentious issue in Yorkville's mayoral election -- a proposed landfill that would accept garbage from Chicago -- did not come up at a recent candidates' forum.

Instead, incumbent Art Prochaska and his opponent, Ald. Valerie Burd, outlined their achievements and plans, fielding less-controversial questions about additions to city staff, promoting economic activity, improving building efficiency and dealing with traffic congestion. But several opponents of the landfill, which would be placed on Illinois Highway 71, were present at the Kendall County Historic Courthouse wearing bright-yellow anti-landfill shirts and buttons.

They are among a group of residents upset by a farmer's plan to turn a mulching site into the landfill. Protesters have crowded meetings, even as the city extended its boundaries to annex the property.

Despite that, the candidates remained focused on their records at the forum.

Burd cited a need for an administrative assistant to the City Council and said a new city administrator should be hired to help preserve recent progress. Prochaska outlined the need for a new finance director and additional police.

Prochaska and Burd agreed on how best to promote economic development. Both candidates supported using tax-increment financing for future projects. Prochaska said he was interested in state grant money for development, while Burd emphasized the development of the downtown marketplace.

Energy efficiency was another popular discussion item. Candidates were asked whether they would support an updated building code requiring 2-by-6 lumber to be used in new construction. Both Burd and Prochaska supported the plan, adding that additional measures could increase building efficiency.

Prochaska's proposal for dealing with traffic congestion involves rerouting commercial traffic to highways and developing areas like Kendall Marketplace, a new outlet mall along a traffic bypass outside the city. Burd called for the development of pedestrian-friendly areas to decrease the number of cars on the road, as well as using 25 percent of sales tax revenue for developing highways.

As 2nd Ward alderman, Burd said she has spearheaded initiatives that include providing grant money for businesses, working with the Facade Committee to renovate old buildings and creating standards for development of new construction to prevent a "monotony problem." She also pressed for improved communication between the mayor and aldermen and enforced the standards of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Prochaska said he helped with development along the Fox River and backed use of impact fees to pay for new development. He also noted that he contributed to saving the Hoover Boy Scout Camp, a 400-acre park along the river.

Prochaska has served two terms as mayor since 1999. Burd was appointed to the City Council to fill a vacancy and has been re-elected twice.